With New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees not participating in Saturday's Black and Gold scrimmage because of the death of his mother, the Saints back-ups were pushed into action.

Chuck Cook/The Times-PicayuneNew Orleans Saints quarterback Mark Brunell got pushed into action in the Black and Gold scrimmage because Drew Brees was out for the death of his mother.

Backup quarterbacks Mark Brunell and Joey Harrington split the workload evenly in Brees' absence, each taking a turn with the first-team, second-team and third-team offenses.

Brunell got off to a terrific start with the first team, completing eight of nine passes against the second-team defense for 78 yards and a touchdowns. His only incomplete pass in that period was a tipped ball by defensive end Bobby McCray.

Brunell's secret to success was receiver Marques Colston. He completed six passes to Colston, including the 1-yard touchdown pass on third-and-goal.

When asked why he targeted Colston so often, Brunell deadpanned, "I'm smart. I threw it to the big guy that can catch."

He cooled down a bit later, throwing an interception to Jason David on another tipped ball -- this one by defensive end Jeff Charleston. Brunell's statistics for the scrimmage: 13-of-19, 134 yards, one touchdown and one interception.

Brunell said it took some adjusting to play with a new set of teammates after spending most of the past two years with the second-team offense. He said he has seldom even been on the field with Colston.

"But, " he said, "that's the job of a quarterback in a supporting role, to be able to step in there."

McCray said Brunell was throwing the ball "fast, " making quick, decisive throws to steadily move the offense downfield.

Payton said he was pleased with both Brunell and Harrington on Saturday.

Harrington got off to a slower start while leading the second team against the first-team defense. He threw an early interception to safety Roman Harper. But he later led the first team on a long touchdown drive against the first-team defense, throwing a 4-yard scoring pass to receiver Devery Henderson.

Harrington also led the third team on a touchdown drive against the third-team defense. He finished 16-of-26 for 126 yards, one touchdown and one interception.